Sixth Annual International Asbestos Conference to be held on April 10, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois

Redondo Beach, CA … February 25, 2010  –  Jordan Barab, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, known for his commitment to public health and worker safety, was just announced as the keynote speaker at the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization’s (ADAO) Sixth Annual International Asbestos Conference to be held on April 10, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. 

Barab’s decades of experience in public health and safety in the labor movement, at OSHA, and in the House of Representatives has been dedicated to giving American workers a healthier work environment. Barab was named the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health after serving as the acting head of OSHA in 2009. Formerly, he served as Senior Labor Policy Advisor for health and safety for the House Education and Labor Committee. He has also worked on workplace safety issues for the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, was a Health and Safety Specialist for the AFL-CIO from 2001 to 2002, and directed the safety and health program for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. More recently, he created and wrote the award-winning weblog, Confined Space.

“We are honored to have Jordan Barab as our distinguished keynote speaker at this year’s conference,” said Linda Reinstein, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. “Jordan’s dedication to protecting Americans in the workplace and providing healthier working environments is impressive.  As an advocate for the worker and their family, Jordan’s efforts to improve workplace safety in America is saving lives and changing policy.”

The ADAO conference will provide education and outreach to families, employers/employees, and scientists throughout the world as part of ADAO’s continuing efforts to educate the public about the dangers of asbestos, ban its use, and encourage research efforts to improve treatment options.

In addition to Barab, the conference will bring together prominent physicians, scientists, and safety and health care professionals who are experts in the area of asbestos, representing the United States, Brazil, and Canada. Discussion will include current information regarding the status and impact of asbestos in the United States and globally; facts on exposure, asbestos-related diseases, and how to prevent them, and where to turn for help. The international conference is made possible by ADAO, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, and the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat. 

About Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)

Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) was founded by asbestos victims and their families in 2004.   ADAO seeks to give asbestos victims and concerned citizens a united voice to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos exposure. ADAO is the largest independent organization dedicated to preventing asbestos-related diseases through education and legislation. ADAO’s mission includes supporting global advocacy and advancing asbestos awareness, prevention, early detection, treatment, and resources for asbestos-related disease. For more information visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org. 

MEDIA CONTACT
Doug Larkin                       
Director of Communications
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO)
Phone: (202) 391-1546
doug@asbestosdiseaseawareness.org